While it is always best to have an in-person exam and treatment, I do sometimes counsel via email and skype if I feel that the woman is a good candidate for the dilation only treatment.
The following patient who was unable to travel to the United States for the Botox T
reatment for Vaginismus was able to tolerate some form of penetration so that small dilators could be introduced. Though intercourse was impossible for this patient, there appeared to be less fear and anxiety when compared to other women who have never tolerated any form of penetration. She was motivated to succeed and was willing to devote the time needed for dilation. She also had a healthy relationship with her partner, which makes the dilation only process easier.
The dilation only treatment involves a carefully supervised program of dilation with a great deal of support. Any tissue in the body can be stretched, and with care, larger dilators can be introduced slowly. It will take about two hours a day for a month or two, but successful dilation leading to intercourse is possible for anyone who has the perseverance to continue.
Email Dated: July 30, 2012
Subject: Success!
“Hi Dr. Pacik,
I have been dilating consistently and using the #5 glass dilator. I just haven’t been very diligent with the logs! I normally sleep with the #4 at night and then use the #5 aswell in the mornings/nights. My husband and I have not tried to have intercourse at all since I began the program in March. I really wanted to try but also wanted to wait so that I would be prepared for the first time we tried. I am using the #5 quite comfortably now.
Yesterday morning, after I had dilated with #4 all night and then #5 for 30 minutes in the morning, we decided to try and see how it would go. I am so excited to say, that we were successful!!! It was virtually pain-free and so easy and natural! There was no burning and we were able to have full penetration. We were so comfortable that we were able to even try a couple of different positions. I finally know what it feels like to enjoy sex without pain! I cried because I was overwhelmed with joy and relief when it happened because my battle with vaginismus is finally over!
I think it may have been this easy because I had been dilating so many hours before we tried and I understand from your book that using the dilators is still very necessary even after being able to have penetration. How often should I be dilating? The same 2 hours a day as before or only before sex? We have not tried again yet, but I will let you know how it goes! Thank you for supporting me and supplying me with the tools and knowledge I needed to overcome vaginismus!
Thank you so much!”
My response to her wonderful email:
“I am so thrilled for the two of you. Congratulations! In answer to your questions: To avoid regression, keep dilating just as you have been.
Continue dilating for about an hour prior to intercourse to make sure you are still comfortable and not experiencing pain. It takes about a year to be certain you are beyond vaginismus. In the months ahead it is likely you can dilate for a shorter period of time before intercourse, but probably not less than 15 minutes. Intercourse will only continue to get easier and more fun as you gain more experience.
My best to you and your husband.”
Visit our VaginismusMD Website for her Complete Story
A few weeks later, this patient from Australia did post her full story on our VaginismusMD Forum with permission to allow us to post on our website. For her complete story, “Patient from Australia”, please visit our VaginismusMD website. We are very grateful when patients write their story so others can learn and more importantly regain lost hope. For more information on Internet Counseling, please visit our website.
Images used with permission from 123RF.com
